Tirumala Venkateshwara Temple, Its History, Location, Architecture and Other Key Facts

Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple, also known as Tirumala Temple or Tirupati Balaji Temple, is one of the most revered Hindu temples, located in Tirumala at Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu, believed to have appeared to save humanity during the Kali Yuga. The temple is one of the richest in the world in terms of donations and wealth. The temple attracts millions of devotees annually, seeking blessings and offering prayers.

Historical Significance of Sri Venkateshwara Temple

Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple has a rich history that dates back to 300 CE, with contributions from several dynasties, including the Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyas, and the Vijayanagara rulers. The earliest recorded endowment was made in 966 CE by the Pallava queen, Samavai, who donated jewels and land for temple festivals. The temple gained significant wealth during the Vijayanagara Empire, especially under King Krishnadevaraya, who made substantial donations of gold and jewels to the temple.

In Which State is Sri Venkateshwara Temple Located?

Sri Venkateswara Temple, also known as Tirupati Balaji Temple, is located in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. Situated on the Tirumala hills near Tirupati, it is one of the most revered Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu. The temple attracts millions of devotees from across the world annually.

Architecture of Sri Venkateshwara Temple of Tirupati

The temple is built in the South Indian Dravidian architectural style. The Sanctum Sanctorum, also known as the “Ananda Nilayam,” houses the main deity, Venkateswara, in a standing posture facing east. The temple follows the Vaikhanasa Agama tradition of worship. Over centuries, the temple has been expanded and renovated by various rulers, contributing to its grandeur. The gold-plated dome above the sanctum and the intricate carvings are some of the temple’s architectural marvels.

Deities Worshipped in the Tirupati Temple

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Venkateswara, also known by other names such as Balaji, Srinivasa, and Govinda. The deity stands in the sanctum in an east-facing posture. The temple also houses stone representations of Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Padmavati, who are believed to reside with Lord Venkateswara on His chest. The deities of Lakshmi and Padmavati were formed after a mythological dispute between the two goddesses, leading to their eternal presence in the temple.

Cultural and Religious Significance of Sri Venkateshwara Temple

Sri Venkateshwara Temple is one of the eight Vishnu Swayambhu (self-manifested) Kshetras and is regarded as the 75th Divya Desam, one of the 108 sacred Vishnu temples mentioned in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham. It is also known as the “Temple of Seven Hills” due to its location on Venkatadri. The temple is considered Kaliyuga Vaikuntha, where Lord Venkateswara is believed to reside for the entirety of Kali Yuga to uplift humanity.

Other Key Facts About the Tirupati Temple

• The temple is visited by around 24 million devotees annually, making it one of the most visited religious sites in the world.
• The temple’s total assets are estimated to be over ₹2.5 lakh crore (US$30 billion), including gold deposits of over 10.25 tonnes.
• The temple is managed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), under the control of the Andhra Pradesh government.
• Major festivals such as Brahmotsavam and Vaikunta Ekadasi attract millions of pilgrims each year.
• The temple premises have modern facilities for managing large crowds, including a queue complex and free meal provisions for devotees.

The temple’s wealth, historical significance, and spiritual importance continue to draw millions of visitors, making it a prominent symbol of devotion and faith in India.